Best ARM Single-Board Computer for AI projects in 2025

The demand for ARM-based single-board computers (SBCs) in AI and machine learning projects has skyrocketed, thanks to their power efficiency, affordability, and versatility. But with so many options-from Raspberry Pi 5 to Orange Pi 5B-how do you choose the best ARM SBC for AI workloads?

In this guide, we'll compare the top ARM SBCs for AI development, focusing on performance, NPU capabilities, and real-world usability. We'll also highlight why the Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra stands out with its 6 TOPS NPU, 8K AI vision processing, and superior connectivity-making it a game-changer for edge AI applications.

1. What Makes an ARM SBC Great for AI?

AI projects require high computational power, efficient neural processing, and robust I/O support. Here's what to look for:

Key Features for AI-Optimized SBCs

• NPU (Neural Processing Unit) – Dedicated AI acceleration (TOPS performance)

• CPU/GPU Power – Multi-core ARM CPUs + GPU for parallel tasks

• Memory & Storage – Minimum 8GB RAM, fast eMMC/NVMe support

• Camera & Video I/O – MIPI-CSI for AI vision, 4K/8K encoding

• Connectivity – Wi-Fi 6, USB 3.0, PCIe for expandability

Why ARM SBCs Beat x86 for Edge AI

• Lower power consumption (ideal for drones, robotics)

• Cost-effective vs. NVIDIA Jetson or Intel NUC

• Linux/Android support for AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)

2. Top 3 ARM SBCs for AI Compared

We tested the Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra, Raspberry Pi 5, and Orange Pi 5B for AI workloads.

Performance Comparison Table

Why Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra Wins for AI

• 6 TOPS NPU – Runs YOLOv8, Stable Diffusion faster than RPi 5

• 8K Video Pipeline – Best for real-time object detection

• PCIe & Dual Ethernet – For AI servers or multi-camera setups

3. How to Set Up Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra for AI Projects

Step 1: Install AI Frameworks

sudo apt install python3-opencv tensorflow-lite
pip install pytorch torchvision

Step 2: Optimize NPU Performance

• Use RKNN-Toolkit2 for NPU acceleration

• Enable INT8 quantization for faster inference

Step 3: Deploy AI Models

• Robotics: ROS 2 + OpenCV on Ubuntu 22.04

• Surveillance: Frigate NVR with 4x CSI cameras

Conclusion: Best ARM SBC for AI?

For serious AI developers, the Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra is the clear winner in 2025, thanks to:

• ✅ 6 TOPS NPU for edge AI acceleration

• ✅ 8K video decoding (ideal for computer vision)

• ✅ PCIe and Wi-Fi 6 for scalability

While Raspberry Pi 5 is cheaper, it lacks an NPU. Orange Pi 5B is a close second but has weaker I/O.